"Ah, perfect!" Aleksandteri says enthusiastically seemingly unfazed by Renar's odd accent. "I cannot tell you how glad I am to hear that. ... Oh, yes I suppose so? I know there have to be others who've already gone out on their own, but..." He chuckles lightly, rubbing the back of his head in slight embarrassment, "Well, I figured it would be best to find a group since this is my first real venture, but no one would accept me. They think I'm too young to go to such a dangerous place." He waves a hand, "But don't worry, I'm perfectly capable of handling myself. They just don't know that." He laughs, placing a hand on his sword, "I'm sure you are plenty capable yourself judging by the way you carry your own blade. So what do you say we team up?" He extends a hand, "I am called Alexsandteri, but you can call me Alexander if you want."
Finally! Someone that shares a common goal with me! That's all I need to raise my spirits. And he's not only warm but he's also at least sensible in a way unlike EARLIER...! Nevertheless, this would definitely be an opportunity to gain some new allies as replacements for my current ones (Sorry Rixi, Yuri and mother but... if only that portal didn't fail... I wouldn't have came here in the first place...)
Readjusting my composure, I casually approached the blue-armoured man and shook my hand back without even resisting. Maybe there could be hope for me after all, I mean, duh. I gotta finish the job for the rest of them. The mission comes first, right, as you once said, Rixi? "A very modest name there, Alex." I speak naturally with a smile but still nervous, since this is only the beginning. "I'm Renar. I look forward to travelling with you if that's the case."
But then my smiles instantly vaporizes as my gaze fixes back on the elf munching on his little... gyoza... forgot it's name... plus the two unnecessarily gorgeous women flocking towards him. Are those three out for the same thing? "Um... do you uh... d-do you know them?" I stutter as I point behind Alex's back to the two pretty girls that surround the starving elf...
No wait they are. I could tell just by eavesdropping on their small talk... Dang it, why on the nine realms when I go on adventures it has to involve at least one loudmouth who cannot keep her mouth shut?! There's absolutely no logic to this, only a rollercoaster ride full of emotions and feelings which I am SO not comfortable with... Hang on. Maybe that elf might be a popular guy. A chick magnet maybe? He could potentially draw the girls away from me and have all the attention to himself. That might not be so bad. Maybe this mission won't be so bad after all then!
The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
As the man ate his food, he seemed reinvigorated somehow. Even the manner in which he spoke portrayed a relaxed and confident tone, to which made Bloom satisfied with his condition. The pretty Triton also seemed content which meant he really was just hungry. Could he have been acting just to get food? He was an elf…and they are part fey…and fey were incredibly tricksy.
Bloom let out a giggle when asked what she wanted, “I just wanted to make sure you were not wilting, I was here to help you! But now you are okay!”.
She listens to Venet introduce herself and Bloom’s eyes grow wide with excitement. The tiefling twirls around and calls upon yet another shower of sakura blossom rain.
”Nice to meet you pretty and sweet Ven Ven! You also hungry Shu Shu! I’m Baloom! The purettiest fulower in the world! And I am going to the ruins also! I heard there are so many puretty fulowers under the ice”, she exclaims, “But I don’t want to go alone, I thought maybe I can find a little birdie to go with me…”.
”Nice to meet you pretty and sweet Ven Ven! You also hungry Shu Shu! I’m I’m Baloom! The purettiest fulower in the world! And I am going to the ruins also! I heard there are so many puretty fulowers under the ice”, she exclaims, “But I don’t want to go alone, I thought maybe I can find a little birdie to go with me…”.
She smiles as Bloom twirls.
"Thank you, you're very pretty as well, I love your flowers." She is pleased to hear that Bloom is heading for the ruins too. "Well, I'm not a birdie, but I sure can sing like one. Would you like to go together?"
Bloom lets out a delightful giggle as she is called pretty, it was always nice to hear it from a voice other than hears. Even though she knew she was. Her flowers also seemed to glow slightly, accepting the compliment and somewhat…reacting to what this nice person’s energy. Upon hearing that Venet was willing to go with her AND sing, Bloom jumped with excitement, cherry blossom petals raining around her.
”Hurray! I’m going to the ruins with Ven Ven! I can’t wait! Here, now you can have a fulower”, she says, taking a flower from her cherry blossom branch and reaching up and tuck it in Venet’s hair, “I can’t wait to hear your pretty voice Ven Ven, we will sing the whole time and dance and have so much fun together!”.
"Hah! It seems we all have a common goal here!" Shugo exclaims, "I'm also looking explore those human ruins." He cocks his head and squints at Bloom again. Shu Shu? He laughs, "You are a funny one Baloom." He says her name awkwardly through his thick accent. He smiles, these two seem like wonderful traveling companions. He hadn't really thought of traveling in a group before, but these two are entertaining, plus they seem like they will actively try to keep him alive! "I'm no birdie, and I'm not sure about singing, but I am light on my feet." He nods, not explaining what exactly he means by that. "If you don't mind me tagging along, I'd be happy to travel with you lovely ladies."
Venet leans down a little to let Bloom put the flower in her hair easier, smiling at the reaction, and her little nicknames.
"I'll be happy to keep our spirits up along the journey, with song or one of my other instruments," she says, gesturing behind her to where her lyre and viol make their home on her back. She then turns to Shugo.
"I don't mind one bit, it's safer to travel in numbers after all." It looks like she'll have company for the road, what a lovely turn. It would have gotten so terribly boring if she were on her own.
Alexander grins, "Its an honor to meet you Renar! I'm sure we will make a good team." He turns when the kitsune asks if he knows the two women and the hungry elf, "Oh... no I don't. It was quite a shock when that man collapsed in front of me. But it warms my heart to know that there are so many kind people around us." He suddenly feels a little guilty for not being more active in helping the elf, but in his shock the women and the shopkeeper had beaten him to it. "Perhaps we should ask them if they are also heading to the ruins? The more the merrier as they say, right?"
He smiles broadly. Now this feels like a story in the making. A group of strangers meeting by chance at a cafe, not even knowing they all shared a goal... well assuming the other three join them that is. The elf seems to be doing a lot better now... He pauses... could the man have been faking it? Or was he really just that hungry. He pushes the thought aside. The elf had seemed genuinely grateful so that was enough. Who know's what he went through to get here. He is a foreigner after all. Speaking of which... Renar's accent seemed a little off too.... Huh, seems like this ancient ruin was attracting all sorts of attention even outside of the country! So, it will be a grand race to discover its secrets. Well he doesn't doubt that he and his soon to be team members will come out in front. They will conquer whatever awaits them on this grand quest.
Alexander grins, "Its an honor to meet you Renar! I'm sure we will make a good team." He turns when the kitsune asks if he knows the two women and the hungry elf, "Oh... no I don't. It was quite a shock when that man collapsed in front of me. But it warms my heart to know that there are so many kind people around us." He suddenly feels a little guilty for not being more active in helping the elf, but in his shock the women and the shopkeeper had beaten him to it. "Perhaps we should ask them if they are also heading to the ruins? The more the merrier as they say, right?"
Yeah. That's was I always thought too. At least, until someone either drags you into their foolish acts or even take you for granted and stab you in the back the moment they get the chance to; And when I mean the latter I mean every single time I venture out with a race other than ones in the Neverwinter jungle... I hope this won't be the case here.
"No need to. I heard the entire thing from here." I respond gently in response to Alex's question but also conclusively and quietly so that the others cannot hear me just yet. "My assumptions are right; It seems like those three are in the same boat as us for this peculiar ruin scenario."
Though, in retrospective, I'm wondering how long am I supposed keep up my atrocious Lancean accent without losing my voice...
The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
"Oh, wow you are perceptive aren't you," Alexander chuckles, again rubbing the back of his head. Good Lord he'd really developed a case of tunnel vision in the last few minutes hadn't he? Well, at least Renar was on top of things. "Well then, shall I see if they would like to team up?" He very nearly just does so without waiting for a response, but then realizes that Renar is whispering as if he doesn't want the others to hear... did he not want to team up? Surely they would all be safer and more likely to succeed as a team. "If you prefer a smaller group I understand. But I do think it would be best to have all the help we can get..."
"Oh, wow you are perceptive aren't you," Alexander chuckles, again rubbing the back of his head. Good Lord he'd really developed a case of tunnel vision in the last few minutes hadn't he? Well, at least Renar was on top of things. "Well then, shall I see if they would like to team up?" He very nearly just does so without waiting for a response, but then realizes that Renar is whispering as if he doesn't want the others to hear... did he not want to team up? Surely they would all be safer and more likely to succeed as a team. "If you prefer a smaller group I understand. But I do think it would be best to have all the help we can get..."
"It wouldn't hurt to ask, as you said right?"I reply with a rather gentle, but forceful smile. I mean I haven't gotten over what happened previously but it would be worth a shot. After all, there's safety in numbers right? Better to venture in groups rather than alone, without any source of knowledge of this world.
"But I'll stay in the backlines for now, if you don't mind." I quickly clarify before we both walk over. 'It wouldn't hurt to ask.' Ironic, says the one fox boy who hates asking for help, let alone have the spirits to approach others...
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The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
The bell on the clock tower rings, signalling it is 9 in the morning. If looking closer, the clock tower's face seems outdated, with numbers going only to 12 instead of 24, as expected from such a rural town as this. The crowd slowly pours in the direction of the town square, it seems like there is some sort of event or assembly going on—a majority of them appear to be adventurers just like you
The town square is packed with people, nearly every square metre is taken by people of some kind. There are no decorations here, probably not a festival or some sort. But in the distance, just below the clock tower that stood tall over the town, is a wooden stage with a podium in the middle. An orchestral brand sits to the right, tuning their instruments.
The crowd chatter dies down as a figure steps onto the stage. An eagle Aarakocra, his feathers are creamy brown on his head and white on his neck and chest… at least that’s what he used to look like, because those feathers are pale and some of them look messy. He’s probably just old.
The orchestra stares at him as he walks past the podium to the right end, then he turns around and walks to the left again, back from the direction he came from. A few steps later, he approaches the wand of Thaumaturgy and speaks.
“Uh… hello, citizens of…” He glances in a random direction, and everyone looks at him awkwardly, not a single word is uttered among them. Even seagulls in the sky and pigeons on the roof seem to be confused. He speaks a few more sentences, most of which are slurred to the point of being unrecognisable. That was until another voice calls out from the sky.
“Dad! Dad!” Another Aarakocra lands in the middle of the stage, he looks exactly like his father, except his feather is clean and shiny, he has a sheathed rapier and a lute on his back, and he wears a red cape and outfit. The young Aarakocra grabs his father by the shoulder. “When Tanita said ‘Please read this script, Mr Mihailovs.’ She meant me, not you, alright? Oh, Lord, did you actually try to memorise those scripts? Maybe it might help with your condition…” The younger Mihailovs whispers, which is still audible enough due to his proximity to the Thaumaturgy wand
“I’m sorry, but who are you again?” The older Mihailovs scratches his head.
The younger Mihailovs sighs and rolls his eyes, “I’m Elmars, your son and Duke of Rauna. I’m here to make a speech about this whole ruined ruins thing. Get off the stage, Dad, please.”
The older Aarakocra quietly nods and hobbles to the right, escorted by a bunch of guards to who-knows-where. Elmars clear his throat and steps onto the podium, for real this time.
He opens his beak, but before any words come out of it, the crowd goes wild. They all cheer and scream at him, some waving at him, some almost faint at his super handsome feathery face.”You’re so handsome, Duke Elmars!” “Marry me, please!” “I know it’ll hurt my soft, fleshy mouth, but please kiss me!”
Elmars waved his claws, “Now, now. I already have someone in my heart, someone whose feathers are as blue and beautiful as the Wrgejo Sea in front of me, and we will marry within a few weeks.”Some of the crowd goes ‘aww’, some clap, and some cheers. “There is a saying from our kind: ‘I would rather break my wings before I break someone’s heart’” He winks, “But that’s not what we’re here for.”
Speaking of ‘someone who is as blue as the Wrgejo sea,’ there is another Aarakocra standing behind your group—a blue jay, to be specific. Elmars give a quick wave to her from the stage and she waves back. Behind the blue jay are two of their personal guards: a crocodilian lizardfolk and a purple Tiefling. It might be odd to see a lizardfolk in such a cold area like this until you realise their name is a misnomer because lizardfolks descend from dragons, a warm-blooded creature.
“Citizens of—”Elmars whips his head at the orchestra, “What the heck are you waiting for? Play the music!”
The orchestra starts with a leading trumpet, Elmars adjust his collar and speaks. “Citizens and adventurers of Rauna, today, I greet you not as a Duke, but as another fellow adventurer just like you.
“You all have heard of legends: Aurelian, Beowulf, Aragorn and such. What if I tell you that it isn't a fairy tale anymore, that we might have evidence that those who have written these stories actually exist?
"As you already know, there is a ruin in the Far North Territory, the largest swathe of unclaimed land in all of the planet, a true wild frontier where the only law is the one set by Mother Nature herself. Somewhere inside those freezing tundra lies a hidden megastructure filled with every artefact and every technology humans have ever made. It's like El Dorado, just in a colder setting.
We barely know anything about it, because one does not simply walk to the Far North Territory. A few steps in the wrong direction and you could end up frozen to death, or worse, you could become dinner to polar bears, and they're the only animal you can't talk out of your way out of it.
But, think about it, after you find the ruins, what will you do? You'll gain an incomprehensible amount of wealth, but where will you spend it? If it's an artefact, I'm sure not a single collector on Lancea will have enough money to buy it. If it's actual gold, where will you keep it? How long will it take until you put every single coin into your bag of holding? Not to mention the fact that everyone wants it too, you won't be able to have a private life ever again, as everyone around you wants a piece of that treasure, whether you consent to it or not. I know you all want to be rich, but being rich is a curse, my friend.”
"But." The music turns triumphant as Elmars raises his fist, “If you give whatever is in that ruin to me, you’ll not only be rich, but safe too. I will ensure that by the time you return from the Far North, you will be accepted into the House of Mihailovs. You, your friends, your children, and your grandchildren and beyond will get to live in comfort, tended by my servants in the mansion for the rest of their lives. And once Vladimirs XII perish and I get to become the King of Kerwos, you might even get to rule the Duchy of Rauna. You can’t buy your way into royalty, my friends, you have to earn it, and this is the only way! I will use the wealth I gain to improve my country, more paved roads, more housing for everyone, business startups and lower taxes, I will make Kerwos and Rauna the jewel of Lancea!"
“Wealth, fame, and eternal glory await all of you. You will be sung by bards for aeons to come, you will start the new golden age of adventuring, and you will change the history of Lancea forever. Go on now, my friends, go find the ruin and make a name for yourself!”The music reaches its climax and stops. He takes a bow and everyone claps.
Perkwunos is one of the few regions in Lancea to have an elective monarchy, the Dukes and Duchesses are all candidates, and the Royal Council decides on who gets to be the next ruler through voting. Regular citizens have no influence on who the Royal Council would vote for, so it’s up to the Dukes and Duchesses themselves to stay in a good light. There are five duchies in Kerwos, so there are five potential candidates to be the ruler. Vladimirs XII didn’t do much ever since he was voted to be on the throne 13 years ago, his health is poor and he can barely make any decisions before he needs another sick leave, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Vladimirs XII dies tomorrow because it’s a miracle that he’s even alive in the first place.
The blue jay behind you looks at Elmars as he jumps down the stage. While some people had already left the town square, there were still a few who were waiting to shake Elmars’ claws and maybe get his autograph. “That’s my Elmars, he’s cool, isn’t he?” She says.
The crowd come and goes as quick as the wind, by the time Elmars make his way over to you, the amount of people in the town square returns to normal. He walks to the jay and the two Aarakocras rub their heads together, this is probably how they show affection since they can’t really kiss due to the shape of their mouth. “Hello again, sweetheart.”Says the eagle.
“And hello to you too, adventurers.” Elmars continue, his arms wrapping around the side of his girlfriend. “You probably know me by now, I’m Elmars, a musician, a Duke, and a lover.”
He points to the jay he’s cuddling with, “This is Olga, my hatchling-hood friend, or should I say, my girlfriend. We’ve been together for two years now, and we will continue to be until the day the world ends.”
The jay winks. “Greetings, I hope you enjoy your stay in our little Duchy today.”
He then points to the lizardfolk and the Tiefling you saw earlier. “That crocodile guy is Tuomo and the Tiefling is Ainikki, or just Nikki for short. They’re mercenaries from the Kingdom of Arusa in the north, but these two are also my friends too, I’ve known them for quite a while.”
Tuomo is quite tall, towering over even the tallest member of your group. He slaps Elmars’ shoulder (Which almost makes him lose his balance, but he seems to be used to it) and laughs, “Hahaha! I’m Tuomo, nice to meet all of you, little man and woman!” He has large shield straps on his back, which are almost as large as him and would probably look like a wall to some of the smaller members of this team.
Ainikki is much smaller than her fellow countrymen, she has two sheathed daggers on her belt. She leans on the crocodilian, finger-gunning the group. “Yo, I’m Nikki. What’s up, dudes.”
Elmars turns back to the group, “So, what do you say? Interested? I actually have something special to offer for you and you only.”
"The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference."
Bloom giggles joyfully as Shugo also mentions his interest in the ruins. She missed her tricksy fey friends and thought it would be nice to have a new fey friend to travel with. She plucks out another cherry blossom and stands on her tippie toes to put it on his hair before tossing a hand in the air and creating a rain of cherry blossom petals over all three of them.
"Hurray! Shu Shu is coming with us too! Don't worry Shu Shu I'll teach you how to dance AND sing. We're going to have a really good time!", she exclaims, jumping cheerfully. Her excitement seemed to turn into curiosity as a man arrived at the center of the small village. An old Aarakocra who seemed sick. She tilted her head and watched the entire procedure, none of which was really...interesting. It sounded like boring people talk, to which she simply turned to the others and started telling Venet all of the songs she knew with great passion.
It wasn't long before the duke came over and started conversing with the group, bloom looked at the different characters, studying them, only two were pretty...the rest were...not so pretty. With a twirl of her dress, and another toss of cherry blossom petals, Bloom batted her eyelashes and flicked her hair in order to show it off.
"Hello Ellie, hello Ollie, hello Tutu, and hello Nikki!", she said cheerfully, waving a hand over her branch to grow more cherry blossoms and handing one to each of them.
"My name is Baloom! And I am the purettiest fulower in the world! I stopped listening to what you were saying because it was not fun and I was starting to feel suleepy", she says with an innocent tone, "But its okay, you can give me my puresent now".
Bloom waits expectantly with big eyes, leaning back and forth with a sweet smile.
"Aww, that's sweet. Thank you, dear." Olga says, putting the flower on the side of her head. It will fall off as soon as she flies, but at least it looks nice for the time being. The blue jay crouches down and gives Bloom a few headpats.
"What did little woman give me? Is it edible?" Tuomo holds the flower close to his eyes, talking about 'taking a closer look.'
Ainikki jabs his scaly side with her elbow, "Depends. These flowers are sometimes boiled as teas, but the seeds and the leaves contain coumarin, which is poisonous in large doses—that's the reason why you shouldn't swallow a cherry stone, not only is it a choking hazard, but it could also kill you in another way, dude." All of this explaining and it would probably go through Tuomo's thick skull anyway.
But the person who reacts the most dramatically is none other than the Duke himself.
"Wh-what?" Elmars reels back, his feathers puffing. "I spend two days reciting all of that and people still can't remember what I said? What part did I do wrong?" Elmars throws his arms in the air.
"Maybe you should sprinkle some magic, honey. A little bit of special effects would help."Olga touches his arm and he immediately calms down, Elmars says nothing and nods in defeat.
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"The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference."
The crowd chatter dies down as a figure steps onto the stage. An eagle Aarakocra, his feathers are creamy brown on his head and white on his neck and chest… at least that’s what he used to look like, because those feathers are pale and some of them look messy. He’s probably just old.
The orchestra stares at him as he walks past the podium to the right end, then he turns around and walks to the left again, back from the direction he came from. A few steps later, he approaches the wand of Thaumaturgy and speaks.
“Uh… hello, citizens of…” He glances in a random direction, and everyone looks at him awkwardly, not a single word is uttered among them. Even seagulls in the sky and pigeons on the roof seem to be confused. He speaks a few more sentences, most of which are slurred to the point of being unrecognisable. That was until another voice calls out from the sky.
“Dad! Dad!” Another Aarakocra lands in the middle of the stage, he looks exactly like his father, except his feather is clean and shiny, he has a sheathed rapier and a lute on his back, and he wears a red cape and outfit. The young Aarakocra grabs his father by the shoulder. “When Tanita said ‘Please read this script, Mr Mihailovs.’ She meant me, not you, alright? Oh, Lord, did you actually try to memorise those scripts? Maybe it might help with your condition…” The younger Mihailovs whispers, which is still audible enough due to his proximity to the Thaumaturgy wand
“I’m sorry, but who are you again?” The older Mihailovs scratches his head.
The younger Mihailovs sighs and rolls his eyes, “I’m Elmars, your son and Duke of Rauna. I’m here to make a speech about this whole ruined ruins thing. Get off the stage, Dad, please.”
The older Aarakocra quietly nods and hobbles to the right, escorted by a bunch of guards to who-knows-where. Elmars clear his throat and steps onto the podium, for real this time.
Well uh... that was anticlimactic I suppose. And uh, not the intro I was expecting either too eheheh. The moment I saw everyone swarming the entire dock like a flock of penguins out at sea, I thought someone famous was gonna win their hearts over! Heh, I'm kinda glad that this outroar of 'admirers' didn't-
He opens his beak, but before any words come out of it, the crowd goes wild. They all cheer and scream at him, some waving at him, some almost faint at his super handsome feathery face.”You’re so handsome, Duke Elmars!” “Marry me, please!” “I know it’ll hurt my soft, fleshy mouth, but please kiss me!”
*Punches himself in the stomach without letting anyone noticing* And as SOON AS I SAY THAT IN MY HEAD I- UGH!
Elmars waved his claws, “Now, now. I already have someone in my heart, someone whose feathers are as blue and beautiful as the Wrgejo Sea in front of me, and we will marry within a few weeks.”Some of the crowd goes ‘aww’, some clap, and some cheers. “There is a saying from our kind: ‘I would rather break my wings before I break someone’s heart’” He winks, “But that’s not what we’re here for.”
Speaking of ‘someone who is as blue as the Wrgejo sea,’ there is another Aarakocra standing behind your group—a blue jay, to be specific. Elmars give a quick wave to her from the stage and she waves back. Behind the blue jay are two of their personal guards: a crocodilian lizardfolk and a purple Tiefling. It might be odd to see a lizardfolk in such a cold area like this until you realise their name is a misnomer because lizardfolks descend from dragons, a warm-blooded creature.
Huh? Wait... were they in our close proximity all this time?! *Rapidly swivels his head to them for a brief moment in shock* How did I not notice that?! And how long were they even loitering around that?! Well, I mean, at least no trouble was caused right? That's what- huh?
“Citizens of—”Elmars whips his head at the orchestra, “What the heck are you waiting for? Play the music!”
The orchestra starts with a leading trumpet, Elmars adjust his collar and speaks. “Citizens and adventurers of Rauna, today, I greet you not as a Duke, but as another fellow adventurer just like you.
Now what is going on? Some kind of failed comedy? Should I even dare to laugh?! I don't know if I should take it seriously or not but, uh... *He suddenly daydreams throughout the majority of the speech about his lover and mother, until he hears this*
But, think about it, after you find the ruins, what will you do? You'll gain an incomprehensible amount of wealth, but where will you spend it? If it's an artefact, I'm sure not a single collector on Lancea will have enough money to buy it. If it's actual gold, where will you keep it? How long will it take until you put every single coin into your bag of holding? Not to mention the fact that everyone wants it too, you won't be able to have a private life ever again, as everyone around you wants a piece of that treasure, whether you consent to it or not. I know you all want to be rich, but being rich is a curse, my friend.”
"But." The music turns triumphant as Elmars raises his fist, “If you give whatever is in that ruin to me, you’ll not only be rich, but safe too. I will ensure that by the time you return from the Far North, you will be accepted into the House of Mihailovs. You, your friends, your children, and your grandchildren and beyond will get to live in comfort, tended by my servants in the mansion for the rest of their lives. And once Vladimirs XII perish and I get to become the King of Kerwos, you might even get to rule the Duchy of Rauna. You can’t buy your way into royalty, my friends, you have to earn it, and this is the only way! I will use the wealth I gain to improve my country, more paved roads, more housing for everyone, business startups and lower taxes, I will make Kerwos and Rauna the jewel of Lancea!"
“Wealth, fame, and eternal glory await all of you. You will be sung by bards for aeons to come, you will start the new golden age of adventuring, and you will change the history of Lancea forever. Go on now, my friends, go find the ruin and make a name for yourself!”The music reaches its climax and stops. He takes a bow and everyone claps.
Huh? What? Wait... did I miss some crucial info? No wait, he's still talking to us whilst Yuri tried to invade my line of sight in my head. Ugh. But, in retrospective, maybe I uh... never mind.
'You won't be able to have a private life again' And already I'm instantly deterred by his speech. I value my private life most of the time and- hm? 'Give whatever is in that ruin to you, I'll not only be rich, but I'll be safe too', huh? Yeah uh, no. Sorry sir. I'm not interested in fame, let alone safety in your mansion. If anything, the Neverwinter Jungle is my safety zone. The Wildland Shifters are the people that help me find my fame. Find my hope. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think of the young Fire Genasi boy helped me find a second chance. And besides, ruling whatever that stupid country's name is nowhere within the scopes of my radar; I'm not even fit to be one anyways. And besides, what about the landscape huh? What's gonna happen next to the wildlife? Another mass extinction? There has to be a balance between nature and urban settlements!
'You can't buy your way into royalty. You have to earn it.' I agree with that, honestly. Everyone's only into money, fame and glory though, which is a literal concern seeing that both Sword Coat and Japan are kinda like this too. 'Wealth, fame and eternal glory await. You will be sung by bards for aeons to come. Go find the ruin and make a name'. Well, to quote a poem that Ethan and Randy recited for me from a video game: 'There are no dreams, no honour remains. The arrow has left the bow of the goddess'. No matter what you do, even simple things like will eventually be fleeting; Wealth can never buy you guaranteed safety. Or friends. Or even, as mother tells me: Hope. Fame depends on the setting. Eternal glory... that would never be achieved unless you work hard for it. Like my current situation.
'Change the history of Lancea-' SWORD COAST DAMN IT! *Eyes twitch a little* Ugh, that aside, I know what the spend it on. That's my purpose. The only thing surfacing on my mind right now is retrieving whatever legendary artefact that Rixian wanted to get to help turn the tide of the war that happening in the Sword Coast. The mission comes first. That's all I care about. Right now, we're losing the war and if I don't extract whatever it is, I might lose everything that money cannot buy, from the shifters, to the beautiful jungle I live in... and maybe even a happy future...
The blue jay behind you looks at Elmars as he jumps down the stage. While some people had already left the town square, there were still a few who were waiting to shake Elmars’ claws and maybe get his autograph. “That’s my Elmars, he’s cool, isn’t he?” She says.
The crowd come and goes as quick as the wind, by the time Elmars make his way over to you, the amount of people in the town square returns to normal. He walks to the jay and the two Aarakocras rub their heads together, this is probably how they show affection since they can’t really kiss due to the shape of their mouth. “Hello again, sweetheart.”Says the eagle.
“And hello to you too, adventurers.” Elmars continue, his arms wrapping around the side of his girlfriend. “You probably know me by now, I’m Elmars, a musician, a Duke, and a lover.”
He points to the jay he’s cuddling with, “This is Olga, my hatchling-hood friend, or should I say, my girlfriend. We’ve been together for two years now, and we will continue to be until the day the world ends.”
The jay winks. “Greetings, I hope you enjoy your stay in our little Duchy today.”
He then points to the lizardfolk and the Tiefling you saw earlier. “That crocodile guy is Tuomo and the Tiefling is Ainikki, or just Nikki for short. They’re mercenaries from the Kingdom of Arusa in the north, but these two are also my friends too, I’ve known them for quite a while.”
Tuomo is quite tall, towering over even the tallest member of your group. He slaps Elmars’ shoulder (Which almost makes him lose his balance, but he seems to be used to it) and laughs, “Hahaha! I’m Tuomo, nice to meet all of you, little man and woman!” He has large shield straps on his back, which are almost as large as him and would probably look like a wall to some of the smaller members of this team.
Ainikki is much smaller than her fellow countrymen, she has two sheathed daggers on her belt. She leans on the crocodilian, finger-gunning the group. “Yo, I’m Nikki. What’s up, dudes.”
I uh... I'll pass with the intros for the time being. Besides, something really feels off about those five people as my tail sways slightly underneath my yellow suit. I get why he would be keeping a safe distance like I am and I'll let it slide. But, other than some arousing suspicions, I can't really gather my thoughts about those guys, especially that funny mayor. But his girlfriend Olga though... Daisy would love to meet her in person I'm sure. She's into animals, so meeting a real-life Aara-um... aara-whatever, would most certainly soften her stone-cold heart. Wait... the world is ending?! Hold up... I shoot a nervous glance at Alex. "Uh, um did I hear this right? The world... Is Lancea on the verge of...?"I whisper to him.
Elmars turns back to the group, “So, what do you say? Interested? I actually have something special to offer for you and you only.”
Though I've chosen to keep my mouth shut during the entirety of the speech, I'm finally glad that our signal to begin has been triggered. "Well, there's our cue. You ready?" I softly ask Alex as I let off a tiny smirk over what's yet to come, though my uneasiness still persists.
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The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Bloom lets out a mischievous giggle at Elmars' reaction to her words, especially since she didn't really know why anyone would spend two days reciting anything than a druidic ritual. Even those were boring when they didn't involve dancing and singing. She absolutely agreed with Olga's advice and nodded at the suggestion.
"You also need to have more puretty colors and fulowers and other puretty things. And dancing! You need to have dancing. There was music but nobody was dancing because it wasn't really nice...", she added in a blunt manner, but in a most innocent way after which she batted her eyelashes, "You can give me my puresent now".
Venet watched the announcement while still trying to pay attention to Bloom, her attention half caught between the two. She laughs slightly to herself at the Duke's words. She could write herself into history and sing her own praises if she wished. Further, if the ruins contains the amount of riches he speaks of, what's stopping them from raising up their own kingdom? Not that she fancies herself a Queen, or the like in anycase. It wouldn't suit her. However, having that much wealth means you can have anything you want, and it's not like you have to tell people where you got it.
An easy smile remains on her face as the Duke comes near, reuniting with his spouse, and as the lot introduce themselves.
"It's wonderful to meet you all. I'm Venet, bard of the Nswodhros sea. Perhaps some more feeling in the music and I agree," she says, turning to Olga, "Some special effects would be nice. Perhaps some fireworks?" she asks, posing the question to the Duke as she turns back.
"But that's beside the point, what are you offering us exactly?" she lightly puts a hand on Bloom's shoulder, as if to calm the girl.
"Alright then!" Alexander says, preparing to approach the two women and the hungry elf. But he is ultimately interrupted when the aarakocra begins his speech... oh dear that bird looks unwell. Is he supposed to be up there? His thoughts are cut short when the old birds son takes the stage, ushering his father away. The poor guy... Alexander watches as the old bird shuffles away. Hopefully he's getting all the help he can.
He turns to watch as Elmars starts his speech, a little surprised at the ruckus rising up in the crowd. Though, perhaps it shouldn't surprise him, this is the Duke after all. Though he does frown a little when someone calls out for the eagle to kiss them... that's a little forward isn't it? But his usual expression returns when Elmars smoothly waves away the comments. How honorable of him not to tease the crowd, and to stay true to his lover.
He listens eagerly through the whole speech, though finds himself a little confused... give all their findings to Elmars? Well, personally Alexander doesn't have any desire to become a noble. Sure, he named himself after a conquerer, but... become a noble? He isn't really sure how to feel about that. What will Elmars do with their earnings? How would giving it to him help them cart everything back (if they really find enough to worry about that anyways). He has a feeling that he wouldn't have any problem figuring out something to do with whatever he brings back. There are always people who need help, and with that much wealth he could help so many... though, he will admit that he doesn't know much about keeping a fortune. If he were to give it all away... then what? He'd go back to having nothing and helping as little as he is now (though as much as he can). Elmars did say that he would use the money to improve the Rauna... so perhaps that option would be the wiser... Though he still isn't sure on the whole nobility aspect, perhaps if he did become a noble he could do more good... oh Lord this was a lot to think about...
His thoughts are interrupted when the Duke approaches his group... wow, how and why is this happening?! He smiles at the two aarakocra's as they strike up a conversation with them, waiting for an opportune time to get a word in. He glances at Renar in surprise though when the kitsune whispers something about Lancea being on the verge of... something. He frowns slightly then gives a quiet chuckle, "What? Oh, I think he was just making a proclamation about how he will be with his lover forever, not that the world is ending." He laughs a little, "At least... I hope that's what he meant..." Why would Renar jump to such a conclusion from such an innocent statement?
When Renar asks if he is ready he grins and nods, saying in a quiet tone (only because Renar is whispering, Alexander likely doesn't realize that he's whispering too), "Of course!"
Turning to the Duke, who had just reeled back due to the tiefling's comment, Alexander says, "I thought your speech was brilliant sir! The music was a good touch, adding to the atmosphere without being overdramatic." He extends a hand, "My name is Aleksandteri, but I'm better known as Alexander." He leaves off 'the Greatest' having realized during his journey that including that part of his moniker usually lead to people not taking him seriously... though he has yet to figure out why. No one in his home town dismissed him for hit, but eh, everyone is different.
"Why choose us for this special offer? If I may ask that is," he asks cheerily. "Of course I'm more than happy to hear about it, I'm only curious is all. I just arrived not too long ago and our group pretty much just met each other... speaking of which..." He looks back at the to women and the hungry elf, "Glad you seem to be feeling better sir, and you two girls are so kind for taking care of him! My friend here (gestures to Renar) and I are wondering if you would like to join our group to go to the ruins?"
He turns back to Elmars, giving a small chuckle, "It truly is an honor to meet you Sir."
Shugo bends down slightly to let the small woman put the flower in his hair, then pats her on the head. "Hmmm. I'm sure we will." He replies cheerfully, then stands strait up when she showers them all with flowers, stifling a sneeze. He should have guessed that would happen, he did see her do the same thing to that other guy after all. Rubbing his nose, he glances at the clock tower when it chimes, then notes the crowd filing over to the square. Eh? There's something happening? Might as well see what it is. With that, he follows the two women towards the stage. As he walks he glances around, noting the blond boy and the beanie man. Were they looking at him for some reason? Eh. Whatever.
The elf squints at the old-bird man on the stage. Geeze, how is that guy even still alive? Then, he cocks his head slightly when the younger clone of the bird man takes over. The elf probably looks ridiculous with his expression combined with the flower in his hair, which he has forgotten about for the moment. He does listen to the speech with interest, the guy makes some decent points but all in all he sounds like he'd be getting the better end of the deal. Give everything they find in the ruins to him because they can't do anything with it? If that's the case what is this guy planning to do with all the stuff? Lowering taxes is all fine and dandy, but seriously. If the place is filled with priceless artifacts and not actual currency then how will that make a difference? Humph. Not like any of this matters to him. "I just need one thing. ONE thing, to satisfy father. I don't need to invest in this country, I've got my own to worry about. ...though if he's offering protection, it might be a good backup plan if...no don't think about that...but still it might be beneficial to form good relations with these people?" When the young birdman start talking about nobility, Shugo sniffs. Really? Sure you probably can't buy your way into nobility, but earn it? Seriously? That all sounds fine and dandy, but in reality, the majority of nobles and royals never earn their place. Heh, Shugo himself sure hasn't. Buuut, maybe that's what his father is trying to get across to his older brothers? "Ugh, so long as I don't have to deal with all the matters that come with the title then whatever. I'll earn the right to rule and hand it to someone who's actually worthy." He nods, to emphasize his point to himself. "That's right, these people can keep whatever they want from those ruins, all I need is one thing. Then I can go home and set things strait."
His rambling thoughts are cut short when the flamboyant birdman, his spouse to be, and two bodyguards make their way over. Boy is he attracting a some interesting company today. Why the heck are they singling him and these others out? Oh right, because they are adventurers obviously.
"Ah yes! I'm Shugo Ryu, a pleasure to meet you all." Shugo gives them a formal bow, which looks rather odd considering his previous demeanor. He glances down at Bloom and laughs at her bluntness. Then he turns back to Elmars, "Do not worry yourself over your speech. It sounded perfectly noble to me. The crowed certainly liked it." He smiles at the birdman, with his current tone, mixed with his accent, it is difficult to tell how he means his words to come across. "Haha, well I'm not, Not interested in your offer, but you must understand that I'm not from around here. I do plan on going home, BUT I also don't plan on taking much from those ruins, so if I end up with a bunch of stuff i don't need. I'll keep you in mind...." He pauses, "In other words, yes I'd like to hear your offer." As soon as he finishes talking, any air of nobility drains from him and he regains his nonchalant stance, the pink flower in his hair now sagging slightly due to the motion of his bow.
Then the blond boy seems to spawn next to him out of nowhere just to address him. Or was he just always there? Perhaps the elf was to focused on the speech. Huh? He wants to team up? This kid wants to go to the ruins? He smiles at the kid, "Oh, i dunno. Aren't you a bit young to be running around in such a dangerous area? I mean, it's your life I guess." He glances over at... Renar? That name doesn't sound like it originated from Prihyeh. Is he using an alias? Or maybe he's got a mixed linage. Ah whatever. If that guy's also going to the ruins it's not like he can avoid him forever. He shrugs then looks over to the two girls, "What do you two think? Wanna add two more to our marry little band?"
Venet leans over to Shugo, still trying to give the Duke her full attention, but not wanting to ignore Shugo either.
"More the merrier, I say." She flashes a small smile at him. The blonde one does seem a tad young, but she would rather have him accounted for instead of him running off and getting himself killed in the north. His friend seems capable, although a tad shy, the way he's standing behind this Alex, but perhaps that will melt away a little as they travel.
Bloom turns towards Alexander curiously, her eyes studying him and Renar who seemed to slink behind. She noticed him when she first approached the stall but didn't think much of him other than that he looked like a knight or a warrior. He seemed nice, even though he was lying to the poor Aarakocra and telling him his speech was nice...but then again maybe he just liked it? No, he was just trying to be nice and telling one of those so called "White Lies" which Bloom didn't use because she would never use anything so bland as white. They could at least make them green or blue lies...
She did not understand what everyone was responding to, then again Bloom didn't listen to the Duke speak. Still, it started to sound less and less that he wanted to give her a gift, to which she was thankful for Venet's hand on her shoulder. It was comforting in the moment the pretty flower realized she wasn't getting a pretty present. Even though she gave everyone flowers...
Is seemed that the conversation shifted back to their adventure to the ruins! Yes, that was definitely more exciting, and Bloom's mood visibly lifted as she smiled widely when asked if Alex and Ren Ren could join. She took Venet's hand and started to jump with excitement at the news.
"Hurray! We will travel with Lexi and Ren Ren!", she exclaims, starting to skip around everyone and flinging her hand in the air, causing more cherry blossom petals to rain on them. However it seems as though whenever a shower of petals is created, the other disperses, fading away...like a mirage. It seems as though the tiefling has absolutely lost sight of the conversation she was having with the Duke, and is now focused on the new people she will be traveling with.
"Take a little petal and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away! Take a little petal and put it in your pocket save it for a rainy day! And when adventure will come knocking, travel with your friends! And if you want to find who they are, follow the petals! La la la la la", she sings cheerfully.
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Finally! Someone that shares a common goal with me! That's all I need to raise my spirits. And he's not only warm but he's also at least sensible in a way unlike EARLIER...! Nevertheless, this would definitely be an opportunity to gain some new allies as replacements for my current ones (Sorry Rixi, Yuri and mother but... if only that portal didn't fail... I wouldn't have came here in the first place...)
Readjusting my composure, I casually approached the blue-armoured man and shook my hand back without even resisting. Maybe there could be hope for me after all, I mean, duh. I gotta finish the job for the rest of them. The mission comes first, right, as you once said, Rixi? "A very modest name there, Alex." I speak naturally with a smile but still nervous, since this is only the beginning. "I'm Renar. I look forward to travelling with you if that's the case."
But then my smiles instantly vaporizes as my gaze fixes back on the elf munching on his little... gyoza... forgot it's name... plus the two unnecessarily gorgeous women flocking towards him. Are those three out for the same thing? "Um... do you uh... d-do you know them?" I stutter as I point behind Alex's back to the two pretty girls that surround the starving elf...
No wait they are. I could tell just by eavesdropping on their small talk... Dang it, why on the nine realms when I go on adventures it has to involve at least one loudmouth who cannot keep her mouth shut?! There's absolutely no logic to this, only a rollercoaster ride full of emotions and feelings which I am SO not comfortable with... Hang on. Maybe that elf might be a popular guy. A chick magnet maybe? He could potentially draw the girls away from me and have all the attention to himself. That might not be so bad. Maybe this mission won't be so bad after all then!
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
As the man ate his food, he seemed reinvigorated somehow. Even the manner in which he spoke portrayed a relaxed and confident tone, to which made Bloom satisfied with his condition. The pretty Triton also seemed content which meant he really was just hungry. Could he have been acting just to get food? He was an elf…and they are part fey…and fey were incredibly tricksy.
Bloom let out a giggle when asked what she wanted, “I just wanted to make sure you were not wilting, I was here to help you! But now you are okay!”.
She listens to Venet introduce herself and Bloom’s eyes grow wide with excitement. The tiefling twirls around and calls upon yet another shower of sakura blossom rain.
”Nice to meet you pretty and sweet Ven Ven! You also hungry Shu Shu! I’m Baloom! The purettiest fulower in the world! And I am going to the ruins also! I heard there are so many puretty fulowers under the ice”, she exclaims, “But I don’t want to go alone, I thought maybe I can find a little birdie to go with me…”.
She smiles as Bloom twirls.
"Thank you, you're very pretty as well, I love your flowers." She is pleased to hear that Bloom is heading for the ruins too. "Well, I'm not a birdie, but I sure can sing like one. Would you like to go together?"
Bloom lets out a delightful giggle as she is called pretty, it was always nice to hear it from a voice other than hears. Even though she knew she was. Her flowers also seemed to glow slightly, accepting the compliment and somewhat…reacting to what this nice person’s energy. Upon hearing that Venet was willing to go with her AND sing, Bloom jumped with excitement, cherry blossom petals raining around her.
”Hurray! I’m going to the ruins with Ven Ven! I can’t wait! Here, now you can have a fulower”, she says, taking a flower from her cherry blossom branch and reaching up and tuck it in Venet’s hair, “I can’t wait to hear your pretty voice Ven Ven, we will sing the whole time and dance and have so much fun together!”.
"Hah! It seems we all have a common goal here!" Shugo exclaims, "I'm also looking explore those human ruins." He cocks his head and squints at Bloom again. Shu Shu? He laughs, "You are a funny one Baloom." He says her name awkwardly through his thick accent. He smiles, these two seem like wonderful traveling companions. He hadn't really thought of traveling in a group before, but these two are entertaining, plus they seem like they will actively try to keep him alive! "I'm no birdie, and I'm not sure about singing, but I am light on my feet." He nods, not explaining what exactly he means by that. "If you don't mind me tagging along, I'd be happy to travel with you lovely ladies."
Venet leans down a little to let Bloom put the flower in her hair easier, smiling at the reaction, and her little nicknames.
"I'll be happy to keep our spirits up along the journey, with song or one of my other instruments," she says, gesturing behind her to where her lyre and viol make their home on her back. She then turns to Shugo.
"I don't mind one bit, it's safer to travel in numbers after all." It looks like she'll have company for the road, what a lovely turn. It would have gotten so terribly boring if she were on her own.
Alexander grins, "Its an honor to meet you Renar! I'm sure we will make a good team." He turns when the kitsune asks if he knows the two women and the hungry elf, "Oh... no I don't. It was quite a shock when that man collapsed in front of me. But it warms my heart to know that there are so many kind people around us." He suddenly feels a little guilty for not being more active in helping the elf, but in his shock the women and the shopkeeper had beaten him to it. "Perhaps we should ask them if they are also heading to the ruins? The more the merrier as they say, right?"
He smiles broadly. Now this feels like a story in the making. A group of strangers meeting by chance at a cafe, not even knowing they all shared a goal... well assuming the other three join them that is. The elf seems to be doing a lot better now... He pauses... could the man have been faking it? Or was he really just that hungry. He pushes the thought aside. The elf had seemed genuinely grateful so that was enough. Who know's what he went through to get here. He is a foreigner after all. Speaking of which... Renar's accent seemed a little off too.... Huh, seems like this ancient ruin was attracting all sorts of attention even outside of the country! So, it will be a grand race to discover its secrets. Well he doesn't doubt that he and his soon to be team members will come out in front. They will conquer whatever awaits them on this grand quest.
Yeah. That's was I always thought too. At least, until someone either drags you into their foolish acts or even take you for granted and stab you in the back the moment they get the chance to; And when I mean the latter I mean every single time I venture out with a race other than ones in the Neverwinter jungle... I hope this won't be the case here.
"No need to. I heard the entire thing from here." I respond gently in response to Alex's question but also conclusively and quietly so that the others cannot hear me just yet. "My assumptions are right; It seems like those three are in the same boat as us for this peculiar ruin scenario."
Though, in retrospective, I'm wondering how long am I supposed keep up my atrocious Lancean accent without losing my voice...
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
"Oh, wow you are perceptive aren't you," Alexander chuckles, again rubbing the back of his head. Good Lord he'd really developed a case of tunnel vision in the last few minutes hadn't he? Well, at least Renar was on top of things. "Well then, shall I see if they would like to team up?" He very nearly just does so without waiting for a response, but then realizes that Renar is whispering as if he doesn't want the others to hear... did he not want to team up? Surely they would all be safer and more likely to succeed as a team. "If you prefer a smaller group I understand. But I do think it would be best to have all the help we can get..."
"It wouldn't hurt to ask, as you said right?" I reply with a rather gentle, but forceful smile. I mean I haven't gotten over what happened previously but it would be worth a shot. After all, there's safety in numbers right? Better to venture in groups rather than alone, without any source of knowledge of this world.
"But I'll stay in the backlines for now, if you don't mind." I quickly clarify before we both walk over. 'It wouldn't hurt to ask.' Ironic, says the one fox boy who hates asking for help, let alone have the spirits to approach others...
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
The bell on the clock tower rings, signalling it is 9 in the morning. If looking closer, the clock tower's face seems outdated, with numbers going only to 12 instead of 24, as expected from such a rural town as this. The crowd slowly pours in the direction of the town square, it seems like there is some sort of event or assembly going on—a majority of them appear to be adventurers just like you
The town square is packed with people, nearly every square metre is taken by people of some kind. There are no decorations here, probably not a festival or some sort. But in the distance, just below the clock tower that stood tall over the town, is a wooden stage with a podium in the middle. An orchestral brand sits to the right, tuning their instruments.
The crowd chatter dies down as a figure steps onto the stage. An eagle Aarakocra, his feathers are creamy brown on his head and white on his neck and chest… at least that’s what he used to look like, because those feathers are pale and some of them look messy. He’s probably just old.
The orchestra stares at him as he walks past the podium to the right end, then he turns around and walks to the left again, back from the direction he came from. A few steps later, he approaches the wand of Thaumaturgy and speaks.
“Uh… hello, citizens of…” He glances in a random direction, and everyone looks at him awkwardly, not a single word is uttered among them. Even seagulls in the sky and pigeons on the roof seem to be confused. He speaks a few more sentences, most of which are slurred to the point of being unrecognisable. That was until another voice calls out from the sky.
“Dad! Dad!” Another Aarakocra lands in the middle of the stage, he looks exactly like his father, except his feather is clean and shiny, he has a sheathed rapier and a lute on his back, and he wears a red cape and outfit. The young Aarakocra grabs his father by the shoulder. “When Tanita said ‘Please read this script, Mr Mihailovs.’ She meant me, not you, alright? Oh, Lord, did you actually try to memorise those scripts? Maybe it might help with your condition…” The younger Mihailovs whispers, which is still audible enough due to his proximity to the Thaumaturgy wand
“I’m sorry, but who are you again?” The older Mihailovs scratches his head.
The younger Mihailovs sighs and rolls his eyes, “I’m Elmars, your son and Duke of Rauna. I’m here to make a speech about this whole ruined ruins thing. Get off the stage, Dad, please.”
The older Aarakocra quietly nods and hobbles to the right, escorted by a bunch of guards to who-knows-where. Elmars clear his throat and steps onto the podium, for real this time.
He opens his beak, but before any words come out of it, the crowd goes wild. They all cheer and scream at him, some waving at him, some almost faint at his super handsome feathery face.”You’re so handsome, Duke Elmars!” “Marry me, please!” “I know it’ll hurt my soft, fleshy mouth, but please kiss me!”
Elmars waved his claws, “Now, now. I already have someone in my heart, someone whose feathers are as blue and beautiful as the Wrgejo Sea in front of me, and we will marry within a few weeks.” Some of the crowd goes ‘aww’, some clap, and some cheers. “There is a saying from our kind: ‘I would rather break my wings before I break someone’s heart’” He winks, “But that’s not what we’re here for.”
Speaking of ‘someone who is as blue as the Wrgejo sea,’ there is another Aarakocra standing behind your group—a blue jay, to be specific. Elmars give a quick wave to her from the stage and she waves back. Behind the blue jay are two of their personal guards: a crocodilian lizardfolk and a purple Tiefling. It might be odd to see a lizardfolk in such a cold area like this until you realise their name is a misnomer because lizardfolks descend from dragons, a warm-blooded creature.
“Citizens of—” Elmars whips his head at the orchestra, “What the heck are you waiting for? Play the music!”
The orchestra starts with a leading trumpet, Elmars adjust his collar and speaks. “Citizens and adventurers of Rauna, today, I greet you not as a Duke, but as another fellow adventurer just like you.
“You all have heard of legends: Aurelian, Beowulf, Aragorn and such. What if I tell you that it isn't a fairy tale anymore, that we might have evidence that those who have written these stories actually exist?
"As you already know, there is a ruin in the Far North Territory, the largest swathe of unclaimed land in all of the planet, a true wild frontier where the only law is the one set by Mother Nature herself. Somewhere inside those freezing tundra lies a hidden megastructure filled with every artefact and every technology humans have ever made. It's like El Dorado, just in a colder setting.
We barely know anything about it, because one does not simply walk to the Far North Territory. A few steps in the wrong direction and you could end up frozen to death, or worse, you could become dinner to polar bears, and they're the only animal you can't talk out of your way out of it.
But, think about it, after you find the ruins, what will you do? You'll gain an incomprehensible amount of wealth, but where will you spend it? If it's an artefact, I'm sure not a single collector on Lancea will have enough money to buy it. If it's actual gold, where will you keep it? How long will it take until you put every single coin into your bag of holding? Not to mention the fact that everyone wants it too, you won't be able to have a private life ever again, as everyone around you wants a piece of that treasure, whether you consent to it or not. I know you all want to be rich, but being rich is a curse, my friend.”
"But." The music turns triumphant as Elmars raises his fist, “If you give whatever is in that ruin to me, you’ll not only be rich, but safe too. I will ensure that by the time you return from the Far North, you will be accepted into the House of Mihailovs. You, your friends, your children, and your grandchildren and beyond will get to live in comfort, tended by my servants in the mansion for the rest of their lives. And once Vladimirs XII perish and I get to become the King of Kerwos, you might even get to rule the Duchy of Rauna. You can’t buy your way into royalty, my friends, you have to earn it, and this is the only way! I will use the wealth I gain to improve my country, more paved roads, more housing for everyone, business startups and lower taxes, I will make Kerwos and Rauna the jewel of Lancea!"
“Wealth, fame, and eternal glory await all of you. You will be sung by bards for aeons to come, you will start the new golden age of adventuring, and you will change the history of Lancea forever. Go on now, my friends, go find the ruin and make a name for yourself!” The music reaches its climax and stops. He takes a bow and everyone claps.
Perkwunos is one of the few regions in Lancea to have an elective monarchy, the Dukes and Duchesses are all candidates, and the Royal Council decides on who gets to be the next ruler through voting. Regular citizens have no influence on who the Royal Council would vote for, so it’s up to the Dukes and Duchesses themselves to stay in a good light. There are five duchies in Kerwos, so there are five potential candidates to be the ruler. Vladimirs XII didn’t do much ever since he was voted to be on the throne 13 years ago, his health is poor and he can barely make any decisions before he needs another sick leave, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Vladimirs XII dies tomorrow because it’s a miracle that he’s even alive in the first place.
The blue jay behind you looks at Elmars as he jumps down the stage. While some people had already left the town square, there were still a few who were waiting to shake Elmars’ claws and maybe get his autograph. “That’s my Elmars, he’s cool, isn’t he?” She says.
The crowd come and goes as quick as the wind, by the time Elmars make his way over to you, the amount of people in the town square returns to normal. He walks to the jay and the two Aarakocras rub their heads together, this is probably how they show affection since they can’t really kiss due to the shape of their mouth. “Hello again, sweetheart.” Says the eagle.
“And hello to you too, adventurers.” Elmars continue, his arms wrapping around the side of his girlfriend. “You probably know me by now, I’m Elmars, a musician, a Duke, and a lover.”
He points to the jay he’s cuddling with, “This is Olga, my hatchling-hood friend, or should I say, my girlfriend. We’ve been together for two years now, and we will continue to be until the day the world ends.”
The jay winks. “Greetings, I hope you enjoy your stay in our little Duchy today.”
He then points to the lizardfolk and the Tiefling you saw earlier. “That crocodile guy is Tuomo and the Tiefling is Ainikki, or just Nikki for short. They’re mercenaries from the Kingdom of Arusa in the north, but these two are also my friends too, I’ve known them for quite a while.”
Tuomo is quite tall, towering over even the tallest member of your group. He slaps Elmars’ shoulder (Which almost makes him lose his balance, but he seems to be used to it) and laughs, “Hahaha! I’m Tuomo, nice to meet all of you, little man and woman!” He has large shield straps on his back, which are almost as large as him and would probably look like a wall to some of the smaller members of this team.
Ainikki is much smaller than her fellow countrymen, she has two sheathed daggers on her belt. She leans on the crocodilian, finger-gunning the group. “Yo, I’m Nikki. What’s up, dudes.”
Elmars turns back to the group, “So, what do you say? Interested? I actually have something special to offer for you and you only.”
Elmars
Olga
Tuomo
Ainikki
"The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference."
—Richard Dawkins
DM—Stories From The End of The World: Episode I
Bloom giggles joyfully as Shugo also mentions his interest in the ruins. She missed her tricksy fey friends and thought it would be nice to have a new fey friend to travel with. She plucks out another cherry blossom and stands on her tippie toes to put it on his hair before tossing a hand in the air and creating a rain of cherry blossom petals over all three of them.
"Hurray! Shu Shu is coming with us too! Don't worry Shu Shu I'll teach you how to dance AND sing. We're going to have a really good time!", she exclaims, jumping cheerfully. Her excitement seemed to turn into curiosity as a man arrived at the center of the small village. An old Aarakocra who seemed sick. She tilted her head and watched the entire procedure, none of which was really...interesting. It sounded like boring people talk, to which she simply turned to the others and started telling Venet all of the songs she knew with great passion.
It wasn't long before the duke came over and started conversing with the group, bloom looked at the different characters, studying them, only two were pretty...the rest were...not so pretty. With a twirl of her dress, and another toss of cherry blossom petals, Bloom batted her eyelashes and flicked her hair in order to show it off.
"Hello Ellie, hello Ollie, hello Tutu, and hello Nikki!", she said cheerfully, waving a hand over her branch to grow more cherry blossoms and handing one to each of them.
"My name is Baloom! And I am the purettiest fulower in the world! I stopped listening to what you were saying because it was not fun and I was starting to feel suleepy", she says with an innocent tone, "But its okay, you can give me my puresent now".
Bloom waits expectantly with big eyes, leaning back and forth with a sweet smile.
"Aww, that's sweet. Thank you, dear." Olga says, putting the flower on the side of her head. It will fall off as soon as she flies, but at least it looks nice for the time being. The blue jay crouches down and gives Bloom a few headpats.
"What did little woman give me? Is it edible?" Tuomo holds the flower close to his eyes, talking about 'taking a closer look.'
Ainikki jabs his scaly side with her elbow, "Depends. These flowers are sometimes boiled as teas, but the seeds and the leaves contain coumarin, which is poisonous in large doses—that's the reason why you shouldn't swallow a cherry stone, not only is it a choking hazard, but it could also kill you in another way, dude." All of this explaining and it would probably go through Tuomo's thick skull anyway.
But the person who reacts the most dramatically is none other than the Duke himself.
"Wh-what?" Elmars reels back, his feathers puffing. "I spend two days reciting all of that and people still can't remember what I said? What part did I do wrong?" Elmars throws his arms in the air.
"Maybe you should sprinkle some magic, honey. A little bit of special effects would help." Olga touches his arm and he immediately calms down, Elmars says nothing and nods in defeat.
"The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference."
—Richard Dawkins
DM—Stories From The End of The World: Episode I
Well uh... that was anticlimactic I suppose. And uh, not the intro I was expecting either too eheheh. The moment I saw everyone swarming the entire dock like a flock of penguins out at sea, I thought someone famous was gonna win their hearts over! Heh, I'm kinda glad that this outroar of 'admirers' didn't-
*Punches himself in the stomach without letting anyone noticing* And as SOON AS I SAY THAT IN MY HEAD I- UGH!
Huh? Wait... were they in our close proximity all this time?! *Rapidly swivels his head to them for a brief moment in shock* How did I not notice that?! And how long were they even loitering around that?! Well, I mean, at least no trouble was caused right? That's what- huh?
Now what is going on? Some kind of failed comedy? Should I even dare to laugh?! I don't know if I should take it seriously or not but, uh... *He suddenly daydreams throughout the majority of the speech about his lover and mother, until he hears this*
Huh? What? Wait... did I miss some crucial info? No wait, he's still talking to us whilst Yuri tried to invade my line of sight in my head. Ugh. But, in retrospective, maybe I uh... never mind.
'You won't be able to have a private life again' And already I'm instantly deterred by his speech. I value my private life most of the time and- hm? 'Give whatever is in that ruin to you, I'll not only be rich, but I'll be safe too', huh? Yeah uh, no. Sorry sir. I'm not interested in fame, let alone safety in your mansion. If anything, the Neverwinter Jungle is my safety zone. The Wildland Shifters are the people that help me find my fame. Find my hope. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think of the young Fire Genasi boy helped me find a second chance. And besides, ruling whatever that stupid country's name is nowhere within the scopes of my radar; I'm not even fit to be one anyways. And besides, what about the landscape huh? What's gonna happen next to the wildlife? Another mass extinction? There has to be a balance between nature and urban settlements!
'You can't buy your way into royalty. You have to earn it.' I agree with that, honestly. Everyone's only into money, fame and glory though, which is a literal concern seeing that both Sword Coat and Japan are kinda like this too. 'Wealth, fame and eternal glory await. You will be sung by bards for aeons to come. Go find the ruin and make a name'. Well, to quote a poem that Ethan and Randy recited for me from a video game: 'There are no dreams, no honour remains. The arrow has left the bow of the goddess'. No matter what you do, even simple things like will eventually be fleeting; Wealth can never buy you guaranteed safety. Or friends. Or even, as mother tells me: Hope. Fame depends on the setting. Eternal glory... that would never be achieved unless you work hard for it. Like my current situation.
'Change the history of Lancea-' SWORD COAST DAMN IT! *Eyes twitch a little* Ugh, that aside, I know what the spend it on. That's my purpose. The only thing surfacing on my mind right now is retrieving whatever legendary artefact that Rixian wanted to get to help turn the tide of the war that happening in the Sword Coast. The mission comes first. That's all I care about. Right now, we're losing the war and if I don't extract whatever it is, I might lose everything that money cannot buy, from the shifters, to the beautiful jungle I live in... and maybe even a happy future...
I uh... I'll pass with the intros for the time being. Besides, something really feels off about those five people as my tail sways slightly underneath my yellow suit. I get why he would be keeping a safe distance like I am and I'll let it slide. But, other than some arousing suspicions, I can't really gather my thoughts about those guys, especially that funny mayor. But his girlfriend Olga though... Daisy would love to meet her in person I'm sure. She's into animals, so meeting a real-life Aara-um... aara-whatever, would most certainly soften her stone-cold heart. Wait... the world is ending?! Hold up... I shoot a nervous glance at Alex. "Uh, um did I hear this right? The world... Is Lancea on the verge of...?" I whisper to him.
Though I've chosen to keep my mouth shut during the entirety of the speech, I'm finally glad that our signal to begin has been triggered. "Well, there's our cue. You ready?" I softly ask Alex as I let off a tiny smirk over what's yet to come, though my uneasiness still persists.
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Bloom lets out a mischievous giggle at Elmars' reaction to her words, especially since she didn't really know why anyone would spend two days reciting anything than a druidic ritual. Even those were boring when they didn't involve dancing and singing. She absolutely agreed with Olga's advice and nodded at the suggestion.
"You also need to have more puretty colors and fulowers and other puretty things. And dancing! You need to have dancing. There was music but nobody was dancing because it wasn't really nice...", she added in a blunt manner, but in a most innocent way after which she batted her eyelashes, "You can give me my puresent now".
Venet watched the announcement while still trying to pay attention to Bloom, her attention half caught between the two. She laughs slightly to herself at the Duke's words. She could write herself into history and sing her own praises if she wished. Further, if the ruins contains the amount of riches he speaks of, what's stopping them from raising up their own kingdom? Not that she fancies herself a Queen, or the like in anycase. It wouldn't suit her. However, having that much wealth means you can have anything you want, and it's not like you have to tell people where you got it.
An easy smile remains on her face as the Duke comes near, reuniting with his spouse, and as the lot introduce themselves.
"It's wonderful to meet you all. I'm Venet, bard of the Nswodhros sea. Perhaps some more feeling in the music and I agree," she says, turning to Olga, "Some special effects would be nice. Perhaps some fireworks?" she asks, posing the question to the Duke as she turns back.
"But that's beside the point, what are you offering us exactly?" she lightly puts a hand on Bloom's shoulder, as if to calm the girl.
"Alright then!" Alexander says, preparing to approach the two women and the hungry elf. But he is ultimately interrupted when the aarakocra begins his speech... oh dear that bird looks unwell. Is he supposed to be up there? His thoughts are cut short when the old birds son takes the stage, ushering his father away. The poor guy... Alexander watches as the old bird shuffles away. Hopefully he's getting all the help he can.
He turns to watch as Elmars starts his speech, a little surprised at the ruckus rising up in the crowd. Though, perhaps it shouldn't surprise him, this is the Duke after all. Though he does frown a little when someone calls out for the eagle to kiss them... that's a little forward isn't it? But his usual expression returns when Elmars smoothly waves away the comments. How honorable of him not to tease the crowd, and to stay true to his lover.
He listens eagerly through the whole speech, though finds himself a little confused... give all their findings to Elmars? Well, personally Alexander doesn't have any desire to become a noble. Sure, he named himself after a conquerer, but... become a noble? He isn't really sure how to feel about that. What will Elmars do with their earnings? How would giving it to him help them cart everything back (if they really find enough to worry about that anyways). He has a feeling that he wouldn't have any problem figuring out something to do with whatever he brings back. There are always people who need help, and with that much wealth he could help so many... though, he will admit that he doesn't know much about keeping a fortune. If he were to give it all away... then what? He'd go back to having nothing and helping as little as he is now (though as much as he can). Elmars did say that he would use the money to improve the Rauna... so perhaps that option would be the wiser... Though he still isn't sure on the whole nobility aspect, perhaps if he did become a noble he could do more good... oh Lord this was a lot to think about...
His thoughts are interrupted when the Duke approaches his group... wow, how and why is this happening?! He smiles at the two aarakocra's as they strike up a conversation with them, waiting for an opportune time to get a word in. He glances at Renar in surprise though when the kitsune whispers something about Lancea being on the verge of... something. He frowns slightly then gives a quiet chuckle, "What? Oh, I think he was just making a proclamation about how he will be with his lover forever, not that the world is ending." He laughs a little, "At least... I hope that's what he meant..." Why would Renar jump to such a conclusion from such an innocent statement?
When Renar asks if he is ready he grins and nods, saying in a quiet tone (only because Renar is whispering, Alexander likely doesn't realize that he's whispering too), "Of course!"
Turning to the Duke, who had just reeled back due to the tiefling's comment, Alexander says, "I thought your speech was brilliant sir! The music was a good touch, adding to the atmosphere without being overdramatic." He extends a hand, "My name is Aleksandteri, but I'm better known as Alexander." He leaves off 'the Greatest' having realized during his journey that including that part of his moniker usually lead to people not taking him seriously... though he has yet to figure out why. No one in his home town dismissed him for hit, but eh, everyone is different.
"Why choose us for this special offer? If I may ask that is," he asks cheerily. "Of course I'm more than happy to hear about it, I'm only curious is all. I just arrived not too long ago and our group pretty much just met each other... speaking of which..." He looks back at the to women and the hungry elf, "Glad you seem to be feeling better sir, and you two girls are so kind for taking care of him! My friend here (gestures to Renar) and I are wondering if you would like to join our group to go to the ruins?"
He turns back to Elmars, giving a small chuckle, "It truly is an honor to meet you Sir."
Shugo bends down slightly to let the small woman put the flower in his hair, then pats her on the head. "Hmmm. I'm sure we will." He replies cheerfully, then stands strait up when she showers them all with flowers, stifling a sneeze. He should have guessed that would happen, he did see her do the same thing to that other guy after all. Rubbing his nose, he glances at the clock tower when it chimes, then notes the crowd filing over to the square. Eh? There's something happening? Might as well see what it is. With that, he follows the two women towards the stage. As he walks he glances around, noting the blond boy and the beanie man. Were they looking at him for some reason? Eh. Whatever.
The elf squints at the old-bird man on the stage. Geeze, how is that guy even still alive? Then, he cocks his head slightly when the younger clone of the bird man takes over. The elf probably looks ridiculous with his expression combined with the flower in his hair, which he has forgotten about for the moment. He does listen to the speech with interest, the guy makes some decent points but all in all he sounds like he'd be getting the better end of the deal. Give everything they find in the ruins to him because they can't do anything with it? If that's the case what is this guy planning to do with all the stuff? Lowering taxes is all fine and dandy, but seriously. If the place is filled with priceless artifacts and not actual currency then how will that make a difference? Humph. Not like any of this matters to him. "I just need one thing. ONE thing, to satisfy father. I don't need to invest in this country, I've got my own to worry about. ...though if he's offering protection, it might be a good backup plan if...no don't think about that...but still it might be beneficial to form good relations with these people?" When the young birdman start talking about nobility, Shugo sniffs. Really? Sure you probably can't buy your way into nobility, but earn it? Seriously? That all sounds fine and dandy, but in reality, the majority of nobles and royals never earn their place. Heh, Shugo himself sure hasn't. Buuut, maybe that's what his father is trying to get across to his older brothers? "Ugh, so long as I don't have to deal with all the matters that come with the title then whatever. I'll earn the right to rule and hand it to someone who's actually worthy." He nods, to emphasize his point to himself. "That's right, these people can keep whatever they want from those ruins, all I need is one thing. Then I can go home and set things strait."
His rambling thoughts are cut short when the flamboyant birdman, his spouse to be, and two bodyguards make their way over. Boy is he attracting a some interesting company today. Why the heck are they singling him and these others out? Oh right, because they are adventurers obviously.
"Ah yes! I'm Shugo Ryu, a pleasure to meet you all." Shugo gives them a formal bow, which looks rather odd considering his previous demeanor. He glances down at Bloom and laughs at her bluntness. Then he turns back to Elmars, "Do not worry yourself over your speech. It sounded perfectly noble to me. The crowed certainly liked it." He smiles at the birdman, with his current tone, mixed with his accent, it is difficult to tell how he means his words to come across. "Haha, well I'm not, Not interested in your offer, but you must understand that I'm not from around here. I do plan on going home, BUT I also don't plan on taking much from those ruins, so if I end up with a bunch of stuff i don't need. I'll keep you in mind...." He pauses, "In other words, yes I'd like to hear your offer." As soon as he finishes talking, any air of nobility drains from him and he regains his nonchalant stance, the pink flower in his hair now sagging slightly due to the motion of his bow.
Then the blond boy seems to spawn next to him out of nowhere just to address him. Or was he just always there? Perhaps the elf was to focused on the speech. Huh? He wants to team up? This kid wants to go to the ruins? He smiles at the kid, "Oh, i dunno. Aren't you a bit young to be running around in such a dangerous area? I mean, it's your life I guess." He glances over at... Renar? That name doesn't sound like it originated from Prihyeh. Is he using an alias? Or maybe he's got a mixed linage. Ah whatever. If that guy's also going to the ruins it's not like he can avoid him forever. He shrugs then looks over to the two girls, "What do you two think? Wanna add two more to our marry little band?"
Venet leans over to Shugo, still trying to give the Duke her full attention, but not wanting to ignore Shugo either.
"More the merrier, I say." She flashes a small smile at him. The blonde one does seem a tad young, but she would rather have him accounted for instead of him running off and getting himself killed in the north. His friend seems capable, although a tad shy, the way he's standing behind this Alex, but perhaps that will melt away a little as they travel.
Bloom turns towards Alexander curiously, her eyes studying him and Renar who seemed to slink behind. She noticed him when she first approached the stall but didn't think much of him other than that he looked like a knight or a warrior. He seemed nice, even though he was lying to the poor Aarakocra and telling him his speech was nice...but then again maybe he just liked it? No, he was just trying to be nice and telling one of those so called "White Lies" which Bloom didn't use because she would never use anything so bland as white. They could at least make them green or blue lies...
She did not understand what everyone was responding to, then again Bloom didn't listen to the Duke speak. Still, it started to sound less and less that he wanted to give her a gift, to which she was thankful for Venet's hand on her shoulder. It was comforting in the moment the pretty flower realized she wasn't getting a pretty present. Even though she gave everyone flowers...
Is seemed that the conversation shifted back to their adventure to the ruins! Yes, that was definitely more exciting, and Bloom's mood visibly lifted as she smiled widely when asked if Alex and Ren Ren could join. She took Venet's hand and started to jump with excitement at the news.
"Hurray! We will travel with Lexi and Ren Ren!", she exclaims, starting to skip around everyone and flinging her hand in the air, causing more cherry blossom petals to rain on them. However it seems as though whenever a shower of petals is created, the other disperses, fading away...like a mirage. It seems as though the tiefling has absolutely lost sight of the conversation she was having with the Duke, and is now focused on the new people she will be traveling with.
"Take a little petal and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away! Take a little petal and put it in your pocket save it for a rainy day! And when adventure will come knocking, travel with your friends! And if you want to find who they are, follow the petals! La la la la la", she sings cheerfully.